The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Bronx, NY Focus

CURRENT TV NYC:

Current TV, founded by Al Gore, includes some of the best journalism in America today. In particular their Vanguard series is amazing and should not be missed by ANYONE who wants to know in depth coverage of some of the major stories in the world.

WWRL Book ClubBecome a member of the WWRL Morning Show, become a Morning Maniac.Here’s your chance to be the recipient of a morning show “MUST READ” book.Every Friday Mark Riley randomly selects a registrant, one per hour (6-9 am) and awards a “Must Read” that keeps up with world events

BRONX NAACP:Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans.

The National Jewish Democratic Council is the trusted voice and resource for Democratic office holders, candidates and party organizations to better understand and engage with the Jewish community. NJDC mobilizes the Jewish community and convenes opinion leadership to support the Democratic promise for all Americans. We look to our Jewish tradition to guide us on the issues of social and economic justice, religious pluralism and the peace and security of the State of Israel that will be the hallmark of our work.

NJDC believes that through our work in Democratic Party politics, we can ensure a better world for our children and grandchildren.

For more information, or to become a member of the New York chapter, contact msudco2@aol.com.

West Bronx Drinking Liberally: Political Action through Social InteractionDrinking Liberally is a fun way to stay politically active * When? First and Third Friday of each month, 7:30 pm * Where? An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St (between Waldo and Greystone) * Hosted by Jamin Sewell | Scott Kennedy

Leadership Intern Field Training (LIFT) through Sustainable South Bronx

In this prestigious 6-week internship, open to high school Juniors and Seniors, LIFT participants learn, through a combination of in classroom and hands-on field work, all the ins and outs of field organizing and a powerful environmental justice perspective. LIFT participants also learn an invaluable set of skills such as messaging, public speaking, strategic thinking and community organizing. For more information, contact Marta Rodriquez at 646.400.5431

BEST Academy

Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training Academy

The BEST Academy directly relates to the core of Sustainable South Bronx’s mission: to bring issues of Environmental Justice to the forefront of community consciousness, and to begin to repair and reverse decades of environmental degradation. The BEST Academy not only connects residents of the South Bronx and other Environmental Justice communities to employment opportunities, but helps create an economically sustainable South Bronx. The entire community benefits from the increased number of residents who have marketable skills and can now contribute to the economic revitalization of the neighborhood.

The BEST Academy links environmental clean-up and restoration in the community to the career development and economic needs of local people. While BEST Academy is open to any resident of New York City’s five boroughs, the majority of participants are from the South Bronx. Participants must have their high school diploma (or equivalent), and a valid driver’s license or permit. Participants are predominantly low-income individuals with many on public assistance.

The South Bronx Food Cooperative (SBxFC) is a green shopping alternative to the profit-oriented commercial food markets found in the Bronx. Founded and operated by committed residents, the SBxFC is dedicated to making a difference in the community by working together to provide healthy and affordable food to all who want it.

The South Bronx Food cooperative carries a wide variety of products, including local, organic and conventionally grown produce; pasture-raised, grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry; bulk grains, sugars, spices and pastas; fair-trade coffees and chocolate; environmentally safe cleaning supplies, and much more. All of this plus a selection of standard supermarket items makes the SBxFC a one-stop shopping destination. Sales are brisk at the SBxFC and inventory is replenished often ensuring that the products we sell are as fresh as possible..

As a member of the SBxFC you share ownership of the coop with fellow members. Members have a voice in the decision-making process and participate in directing the organization's future. Equally important, as a shopper you will know where your food choices come from. By becoming a member you and your family not only have access to fresh foods at reasonable prices, you will learn about our local farmers, organizations and vendors.

In addition to providing green/local products and democratic operations (common at most cooperatives), the SBxFC provides various health and nutrition services including workshops, cooking classes and education seminars. Our community education programs are designed and administered by local medical professionals and nutrition specialist. The goal of the SBxFC is to correct the various health disparities faced by Bronxites including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

They seem to even have an online shopping option (members only).

Hours:11:00 am – 8pm, Thursday – MondayCLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday(Additional hours and days of operation will be added in the very near future)

La Familia Verde is a coalition of community gardens in the Crotona, East Tremont, and West Farms neighborhoods in the Bronx. Formed in 1998, our mission is to sustain the environment and culture of our neighborhood through education, community service, and horticulture.

La Familia Verde is part of a community gardening tradition in New York City that dates back over 25 years, when city residents first began taking control of abandoned lots left by the economic and social devastation of the inner cities. Since that time, community gardens have played an important role in helping revitalize some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. The gardens are not only pleasing to look at; they serve as educational, cultural, and social resource centers in traditionally underserved communities.

Today, La Familia Verde is comprised of more than ten community-operated gardens and various community based organizations. The gardens and community organizations help foster community pride, partnership, and activism.